Liaise with Customs and Border Protection, carriers, forwarders, moving companies, ports, terminals, other Government Agencies and others involved in the release of your goods.

Make sure you are compliant with the laws and regulations governing the import of your Personal and Household Effects.

Follow the status of your shipment through exams and holds when required by CBP, USDA, FDA and other government agencies.

Arrange for delivery, once cleared of Customs, to your door or warehouse.

What you need to know

“Household Moves” are ideally handled by a Moving/Relocation company. They will ensure that the goods are properly packaged and loaded for sea or air transport and will ensure that you do not ship anything that is prohibited or restricted by CBP or other Government agencies. Moving/Relocation companies also handle the transportation details, know the documentation requirements and act as an intermediary between the Customs Broker and you. They also facilitate delivery of your household articles once they are cleared through Customs.

Commercial Goods (including samples, goods for resale, or goods purchased abroad within the past calendar year) do not qualify as personal effects for Customs purposes. In short, you will still need a broker but there are different requirements and costs. The bottom line is that if you purchased goods while out of the country and ship them into the United States, these goods are probably subject to duty and taxes. And will require that a “formal entry” be filed with Customs. Check out the Customs brochure below for further clarification.

Exceptions

Firearms (including Fireworks)

Vehicles

Wildlife Articles

Live Animals

Perishables

Wine or Alcohol

Items Imported for Non Personal use (or Resale)

Any other restricted items

These items are regulated by other government agencies as well as by Customs. If any of these articles are included in your shipment of personal effects, please contact R. L. Swearer Co and/or Customs regarding the import requirements.

Photocopy of Current Photo ID - This can be a US State Drivers License, Passport, Visa, etc. Copies of accompanying family member will need to be submitted as well.

Inventory List/packing list of Your Goods - Must contain a detailed list of ALL items included with your shipment as well as a total value. An itemized packing list of each carton/crate/container is recommended to ease inspection processes and prevent unneeded handling of your goods.

Bill of Lading/Master Airway Bill - These are the documents issued by a freight forwarder or shipping agency that detail the transport of your goods by air or ocean. Ocean bills of lading are issued by the carrier but do not accompany the shipment. It is important to obtain a copy prior to the shipments arrival in the Customs territory of the US. Airway bills accompany the goods and can be turned over directly to R. L. Swearer Co., Inc. by the terminal. We recommend you request shipping details from the shipper so that we can track your shipment with a provided tracking number.

Any Shipping Documents deemed necessary for Transportation or Clearance - You must know what you are shipping and the regulations regarding them. Some items are restricted and you may be required to obtain permits or licenses.